Fort Lauderdale—It seems like it should not be a challenge: Load the folding chairs into the car, head for the beach, find a place to park, and set up on the sand.
But beaches have an assortment of weird rules that sand lovers could unknowingly violate. No tables allowed next to your beach chairs? No business transactions in the sand? Cigars are OK, but not cigarettes? Who thinks of these things?
South Florida has so many cities on the beach, each with a different set of rules. Here’s a selection to help you out. Some are important for the everyday beachgoer, while others you may never need but are good to know, just in case you attend a wedding on the beach and want to sit in a chair (not allowed in Delray Beach).
City-by-city rules
Fort Lauderdale
No swimming in long pants or shoes. Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue Chief Alexandre Bagwell explains the rule this way: “Neighbors and visitors are advised not to swim fully clothed or in long pants and/or shoes because it doesn’t allow for efficient swimming, especially during strong rip currents. Swimming in the water can be a hazard. Ocean Rescue will politely whistle swimmers out of the water if they are wearing pants and/or shoes, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be contacted only if necessary.”
No drying your clothes on trees, bushes, tables, or in/around restrooms. According to Bagwell, “This can cause blind spots for Ocean Rescue, which is a matter of public safety. Also, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s homeless outreach officers and/or park rangers will be contacted if warranted.”
